Jonathan was stunned. He had heard of that military academy before. Jose was considered a god amongst mercenaries and was even dubbed the God of War. In the past, Jose had once gone to a small country in Smealand and assassinated the rebel leader of an army that consisted of ten thousand soldiers. On top of that, he had done it all by himself and using only his sword. As a result of that incredible feat, Jose rose to fame.
The rebel leader he had assassinated was protected by a troop of armed soldiers in his barrack. Furthermore, there were tanks, cannons, and long-range missiles around the camp. The leader was also protected by a squad of elite guardsmen, every single one of them equipped with advanced weapons.
Despite those intimidating obstacles, Jose had entered the ‘camp with nothing but his sword.
In this era of high technology, Jose still relied on his old- fashioned sword as if he was entering a no man's land.
Such a daring move was mostly only seen in movies.
However, Jose managed to bring fiction to life. The God of
War lived up to his reputation.
Moreover, Jonathan knew that Jose's military academy had produced many excellent mercenaries and assassins.
He silently counted and named the external disciples of the Divine Realm. Didn't | use to look up to the likes of Edward, Jose, and Jeremy? Taking a deep breath, Jonathan said, “If the external disciples are that powerful, wouldn't that make the inner disciples even more terrifying?” Mabel took a slice of mutton. The steam from the soup lingered in the air, causing her face to look a bit hazy yet beautiful at the same time. After finishing the slice of mutton, she said, “The inner disciples have always been mysterious. Few outsiders know about their identities.
However, | know one of them.” Jonathan's eyes lit up immediately. “Who is it?” “Have you heard of the Demon Emperor?” Mabel asked.
Jonathan turned pale. “Don't tell me you're talking about the
Demon Emperor, Tristan Cadman? | thought he was just a legend.” “No. The Demon Emperor isn't a legend. There are records of this person in our sixth division. Tristan led the rebellion of the rebel group, Holy Light, in the past. It took the combined forces of several outstanding inner disciples of the Divine Realm to capture him. The news of this incident spread like wildfire back then, though it was later covered up by the government. Hence, the version of the story you heard was merely hearsay. Tristan is also a disciple of the Divine Emperor,” Mabel said seriously.
Hearing her explanation, Jonathan wanted to surrender. It took him a long while to digest what he just heard. Then he probed, “Isn't Edward a disciple of House of Kung Fu? Why is he from Divine Realm as well?” “One thing you should know about martial artists, whether they're from Strikezone Martial Arts or any other clan, is that anyone would be proud to be a part of Divine Realm.
Edward fought hard to earn a spot in the organization after
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtpassing the test. He wouldn't have achieved such a lot of success without the resources of Divine Realm.” Jonathan finally understood. “What does that have to do with me? It's not like | have a powerful background that would make Jeremy think twice before attacking me.” “Okay, let me put it this way. Within Divine Realm, the disciples aren't allowed to fight each other without permission. If you become an external disciple, Jeremy wouldn't dare to mess with you,” she explained.
Jonathan understood her intention. “So, you want me to join the outer circle of Divine Realm?” “You're the Chosen One. If you manage to join Divine Realm, you'll even become their inner disciple. Your odds of winning in the future will increase massively. Besides, you can only reach the pinnacle of your cultivation after joining Divine Realm, as it's the pantheon amongst martial artists.
Everyone is vying for a spot in the organization. Think of it like a prestigious university, where every alumna would accomplish great things,” she explained at length.
Jonathan rubbed his nose and said, “If you put it like that, the only thing | need to worry about is not getting accepted by the outer circle of Divine Realm, right?” “Of course, it's not easy to get accepted. Let's pretend Divine Realm is Bellridge University, and you're one of the top students competing for a spot in the university. There's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in front of you. You have to seize it when the examiners come to Yaleview in a month.
As long as you pass the test, you'll officially become an external disciple of Divine Realm.” “What about you? Why don't you take the test?” Jonathan inquired.
Mabel rolled her eyes and said, “I'm a government official.
How can | join Divine Realm?” Jonathan thought about it. Well, she has a point. "In other words, the only choice | have is to enter the outer circle of Divine Realm?” he asked.
Mabel said sternly, “Jonathan, | know you're a carefree person, and | guess you don't like me interfering with your
future either. | wouldn't say that this is the only route for you. If you have a better solution, I'll consider your opinion.” Jonathan smiled bitterly at her words. It's not like | can think of a better way. However, she hit the nail on the head, as it's true that | don't like other people dictating my life.
Since there was no alternative, Jonathan could only follow Mabel's advice.
Furthermore, he knew Mabel's personality well. Despite her personal agenda, her behavior stemmed from her unwavering patriotism. Jonathan took a deep breath and asked, “Tell me about the test for the external disciples of Divine Realm. Is it difficult to pass?” Seeing that Jonathan was no longer refusing her idea, Mabel let out a sigh of relief. “Of course, it's very tough to pass. But still, | have faith in you. Honestly, the most challenging part is the quota of candidates accepted to take the test. Divine Realm has very strict requirements for the candidates. Firstly, one must have a good family background. Secondly, there must be a referrer. This
person plays a crucial role. If the external disciple creates problems in the future, the referrer will have to bear the responsibility. Besides, the referrer must be of noble status.
Thus, the referrers are usually cautious when they're recommending candidates. Trust me, no one wants to provoke Divine Realm.” Jonathan smiled wryly. “These two prerequisites are both things | lack the most. No one would believe me if | claimed to have a good family background. | don't even know who my parents are, let alone their origins!” “I'l take care of that issue for you,” Mabel promised.
“Well, thanks for helping me.” It was rare for Jonathan to act politely.
Sensing his depressed mood, Mabel asked, “Are you feeling unhappy with this arrangement?” “Rest assured, Mabel. I'll follow your instructions. I'm only feeling rather displeased right now because | don't get a say in this matter. Don't worry. I'll get used to it very soon.”
Jonathan smiled bitterly.
Mabel let out a soft sigh. “Well, sometimes you have to compromise for the greater good. That's the harsh reality you must face. The day will come when you're finally strong enough to break free from this cage. Then, you can live freely without constraints.” “I' know.” The two of them chatted while drinking. In a flash, they finished a whole bottle of wine.
After drinking, Mabel's face was flushed red like a tomato.
She looked adorable at that moment.
There was no trace of her usual commanding presence.
Mabel and Jonathan got up from the table when they were done.
Mabel stopped Jonathan from paying the bill. Smiling, she said, “How could | let you pay for the meal when you're a guest in Yaleview?” With that, she turned to Johnny. “Keep it on my tab. I'll pay it next
time.” Johnny nodded. “Okay!” Jonathan no longer insisted to pay as well.
Soon, the two of them left the alley.
It was already two o'clock in the morning.
There were many lighthouses and magnificent buildings in the distance.
The lighthouse that shone over the overpass illuminated the long and winding road at night.
Seeing that Mabel was quite drunk, Jonathan suggested, “I'll drive.” Mabel readily agreed.
After getting into the car, he asked, “Where are we heading to now?” “I have a house over in Appleton Residences. Just input the location into your GPS,” Mabel replied while leaning against the seat with her eyes half-closed.
Jonathan hummed in reply and started the engine.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMabel soon fell asleep. She slept peacefully in the moving car, her soft lips glimmering under the streetlights. Sleeping soundly, she resembled the Sleeping Beauty, who would wake up after being kissed by the prince.
Jonathan was transfixed by Mabel's appearance as he glanced at her through the rearview mirror. What a beautiful and special woman! Besides, she's just like Amber. They both live their lives to the fullest and love their country passionately. They're willing to fight for the well-being of the country's citizens without asking anything in return. | wonder what kind of man is worthy of such an outstanding woman like Mabel? Getting lost in his reverie, Jonathan could not think of an answer.
Just then, a police officer suddenly appeared in front and signaled him to stop the car.
It turned out that a team of police was conducting spot
checks around that area.
Jonathan could not help cursing his luck. | can't believe this is happening just when | decided to drink today. Why am | 50 unlucky? He had forgotten how many times he had gotten away with drunk driving.
At this moment, he could only blame himself for tempting fate.
Jonathan reluctantly stopped the car. Just when he was about to step out of the car, a policeman approached him humbly. “I'm sorry, sir! We didn't see clearly just now. You may pass without going through the spot checks,” the officer said obsequiously.
Needless to say, Jonathan was bewildered by the officer's politeness. Then, he came to a sudden realization. Oh, shoot! I'm driving a military vehicle right now! Besides, it belongs to the military zone of YYaleview. No wonder the officer didn't dare to create trouble with me.
“Thank you for all your hard work!” Jonathan replied casually before driving away. Through the rearview mirror, he could see the officer saluting him as he drove off.
That's the wonder of power. No wonder so many people are obsessed with it.
After arriving at Appleton Residences, Mabel woke up promptly and was mostly sober by now.
The truth was, even though she had drunk quite a lot, she would automatically sober up whenever there was an emergency.
“Did something happen on the road earlier?” she asked.
Nodding, Jonathan said, “That's right. The police were conducting spot checks. Fortunately, we're driving a military vehicle.” Mabel was slightly startled, but she did not say anything.
Then she swiped the access card, and the car entered the residential area.
While driving, Jonathan asked curiously, “Why aren't you saying anything?” Mabel smiled faintly. “What's more to say? We did break the law earlier by driving under the influence of alcohol.
However, | can't blame the traffic police officer for letting us go just because of our status either, as that's the culture of our country. Anyway, there's no point for me to complain about that after reaping the benefits, is there? So, | guess that's why | have nothing to say.”